Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 5 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (2)
$1,049.00
Guitar Center
5.0 (18)
$1,049.00
Reverb
5.0 (8)
$1,162.10 New
$999.99 Used
Musician's Friend
4.0 (1)
$1,049.00
Thomann
4.5 (4)
$1,085.00

Average Price: $1,066

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 3 merchants for "Gibson Les Paul Modern Lite Electric Guitar". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

The Gibson Les Paul Modern Lite Electric Guitar delivers the classic Les Paul essence with a touch of modern flair, perfect for the discerning guitarist. Designed for comfort and versatility, its all-mahogany body is slimmer and lighter, featuring a unique belly cut for enhanced playability whether you're on stage or practicing at home. The SlimTaper neck profile in mahogany, coupled with an Indian rosewood fingerboard, ensures smooth navigation across all 22 frets, making it a favorite among players who appreciate speed and precision.

The Les Paul Modern Lite is equipped with a pair of powerful humbuckers: the 490R in the neck and the 498T in the bridge. These pickups deliver the iconic Gibson sound, with the 490R offering warm, rounded tones and the 498T bringing a higher output for crunchy, overdriven sounds. The guitar also includes two push-pull pots, allowing you to easily switch to single-coil tones, expanding your tonal palette for everything from bluesy riffs to jazzy chords.

Aesthetically, the Modern Lite stands out with a matching headstock—a first for this series—adding a sleek, cohesive look. This guitar is not just about looks; it features a Graph Tech nut and Grover tuners for reliable tuning stability and resonance. Whether you're a studio musician or a gigging performer, the Les Paul Modern Lite is a versatile, modern classic that's ready to meet any musical challenge.

Key Features:

  • Slim, all-mahogany body with rear belly cut for comfort
  • SlimTaper mahogany neck with rosewood fingerboard
  • 490R and 498T humbucker pickups
  • Push-pull pots for single-coil versatility
  • Matching headstock for cohesive aesthetics
  • Graph Tech nut and Grover tuners for tuning stability
  • Nashville Tune-o-Matic bridge with stop tailpiece
  • Includes softshell case for protection and portability

Product specs

Number of Strings 6
Left-/Right-handed Right-handed
Body Type Solidbody
Body Shape Les Paul Modern
Body Material Mahogany
Body Finish Satin Nitrocellulose Lacquer
Neck Material Mahogany
Neck Shape Slim Taper
Neck Joint Set Neck
Radius 12"
Fingerboard Inlay Acrylic Dots
Number of Frets 22
Scale Length 24.75"
Nut Width 1.695"
Nut Material Graph Tech
Bridge/Tailpiece Aluminum Nashville Tune-O-Matic & Stop Bar
Tuners Grover Mini Rotomatic
Neck Pickup Gibson 490R Humbucker
Bridge Pickup Gibson 498T Humbucker
Controls 2 x volume, 2 x tone
Switching 3-way toggle pickup switch
Strings Gibson, .010-.046
Case/Gig Bag Softshell Case

FAQs

What is the neck profile of the Gibson Les Paul Modern Lite Electric Guitar?

The neck profile of the Gibson Les Paul Modern Lite is a Slim Taper, designed for comfortable playability and faster playing speeds.

What type of pickups does the Gibson Les Paul Modern Lite feature?

The Gibson Les Paul Modern Lite comes equipped with a Gibson 490R Humbucker in the neck position and a 498T Humbucker in the bridge position, offering a versatile range of tones suitable for various music genres.

Is the Gibson Les Paul Modern Lite suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Gibson Les Paul Modern Lite is suitable for beginners due to its comfortable Slim Taper neck and versatile humbucking pickups, making it easy to play and adaptable to different music styles.

What is the body material of the Gibson Les Paul Modern Lite?

The body of the Gibson Les Paul Modern Lite is made from mahogany, which contributes to its warm tone and sustain.

Does the Gibson Les Paul Modern Lite come with a case?

Yes, the Gibson Les Paul Modern Lite comes with a softshell case for protection and easy transport.

DylanTalksTone

DylanTalksTone

Gibson Les Paul Modern Lite Review

Video thumbnail for Gibson Les Paul Modern Lite Review by DylanTalksTone

Gibson Les Paul Modern Lite Review

DylanTalksTone

DylanTalksTone

Video thumbnail for Gibson Les Paul Modern Lite Rose Gold Satin Demo - 1 Minute Guitar Demos by Gibson Gear Guide

Gibson Les Paul Modern Lite Rose Gold Satin Demo - 1 Minute Guitar Demos

Gibson Gear Guide

Gibson Gear Guide

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson Les Paul Modern Lite Electric Guitar.

Comparisons

  • The guitar's thin body is likened to the ESP Eclipse series and older models like the Les Paul CM.

    Source
  • The Modern Lite's body is notably thinner and lighter than traditional Les Paul models, akin to the SG's slim profile.

    Source
  • Owners highlight that despite the "Modern" label, it resembles a thin-body Studio more than other models.

    Source

User experience

  • Some owners appreciate the ability to feel the wood grain due to the lack of wood filler, offering a unique tactile experience.

    Source
  • One owner snagged a Rose Gold model for $799.99, praising it as a bargain at this price point.

    Source
  • Some owners report neck issues with humps that require more than a Plek for proper setup.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • It's noted that the price reduction at Guitar Center aligns with what many believe should have been the original pricing strategy.

    Source
  • Many believe the pricing should be at least $300 lower, closer to $950, given its feature set and finish.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The guitar excels in punk and hardcore genres, with pickups delivering strong middle and clean tones suitable for these styles.

    Source
  • The guitar is seen as a potential modding platform, appealing to those looking for a lightweight Les Paul alternative.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Modern Lite lacks a contoured neck heel and compound fingerboard radius, present in other Gibson models.

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  • Despite the "Modern" label, the guitar does not include push-pull pots, binding, or trapezoid inlays.

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  • The guitar weighs just over 6 lbs, making it significantly lighter than traditional Les Paul models, addressing common weight complaints.

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Build quality

  • The Rosewood fretboard on the Modern Lite differs from the Ebony on the Studio model, affecting the feel and tone.

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  • Some owners note the satin nitrocellulose finish appears thin and may lack pore filling, giving it a rougher, more unfinished look.

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  • Owners report that the guitar lacks a maple cap, consisting solely of an all-mahogany body, which impacts the traditional Les Paul tonal character.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners have successfully modded these with EMG pickups to create a more metal-oriented sound, transforming it into a gig-ready machine.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Gibson Les Paul Modern Lite review | Guitar World

guitarworld.com

The Gibson Les Paul Modern Lite is a lightweight rock machine that delivers classic tones in a sleek, stripped-down package. Praised for its featherweight build and appealing aesthetics, it shines with its raw, powerful pickups, making it a great choice for rock enthusiasts. However, the guitar shows its budget roots with some rough edges: less polished frets and more traditional wiring may disappoint those seeking a high-end experience. Despite its simplicity, this instrument brings a timeless charm, perfect for both budding musicians and seasoned players alike, though it lacks some modern refinements. If you're after authentic Les Paul vibes without the weight, this guitar is a solid option.

positive

Gibson Les Paul Modern Figured and Modern Lite review | Guitar World

guitarworld.com

Gibson's Les Paul Modern Lite offers a lightweight, classic all-mahogany sound, making it a potential go-to for those seeking a budget-friendly, versatile instrument. Its raw voice shines for slide guitar enthusiasts, though it feels slightly unfinished and suffers from setup issues. The Modern Figured variant, on the other hand, excels with expansive tonal options and a refined sound, but is considerably heavier and pricier. While both guitars showcase good build quality, they hint at rushed production, leaving room for improvement in finer details. Overall, these models provide solid choices for Gibson fans, albeit with caveats.

positive

Gibson Les Paul Modern Lite Review - $1499 Guitar With Issues

guitaristnextdoor.com

While the Gibson Les Paul Modern Lite boasts excellent sound and quality hardware, it ultimately disappoints with significant finish issues and mediocre playability. The slim taper neck and versatile tones shine, but uncomfortable fretboard edges and cosmetic flaws mar the experience. At a price of $1,500, expectations for build quality are high, yet this model feels subpar compared to its price point. In short, it’s a great-sounding guitar with potential, but it suffers from poor quality control that makes it hard to justify the investment.

negative

Gibson Les Paul Modern Lite review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

A stripped-back gem, the Gibson Les Paul Modern Lite nails playability and sound without the usual weighty heft. Its lightweight design and familiar 490R/498T pickup combo deliver versatile tones, making it a joy to play. However, the satin finish is prone to wear, and minor blemishes were spotted. While it may lack the flashy appeal of pricier models, its no-frills construction is a solid choice for players seeking an affordable Les Paul experience.

positive

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Bela Salazar uses Gibson Les Paul Modern Lite Electric Guitar

Bela Salazar

Singer, Guitarist

The Linda Lindas

...
Verified via YouTube

Here is the Movie "The Linda Lindas - Oh! - Played during Green Day's set - (Philadelphia, PA - August 9, 2024)" Bela Salazar plays a Gibson Les Paul Modern Lite Electric Guitar - Rose Gold Satin Link: https://youtu.be/oNMNFo0Fs5U?t=106 Time: 1:46 or for the Gibson Logo: https://youtu.be/oNMNFo0Fs5U?t=128

Genre Usage

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